Suddenly at his Cobourg home. Much loved son of the late John Daly Caldwell and late Janet Galbraith (Woodruff) Caldwell. A scholar and a gifted linguist (MA in Classics, University of Toronto), Colin travelled widely, teaching English and becoming fluent in Mandarin, German, French, Latin and both classical and modern Greek. Colin spent years in the book trade; he worked at Toronto’s The Book Cellar and later owned his own book store in Hamilton, ON. In Cobourg Colin began a new career working with Don and Carol Owen at The Oasis Bar & Grill, and through this found a new home and a new family of friends. He also had time to pursue other passions. Colin wrote a tour guide for Cobourg. In 2002, his history The Cobourg Peterborough Railway was serialized in the Cobourg Daily Star. He volunteered with restoration of the old barracks in Cobourg, now the Sifton-Cook Heritage Centre, and wrote text for their display panels. At his death he was translating poems from Latin. He was known and loved for his endless supply of stories, told with wry wit and vivid wording. He loved showing off Cobourg’s homes, churches, harbour, railway lines, Christmas lights and, of course, the Oasis. Colin’s easy laugh, general good cheer and trademark black beret (memento of years in Switzerland) made him a well known Cobourg figure. Colin was married twice, to Billie Hatton and Elizabeth Leamy; both marriages ended before he moved to Cobourg. He will be missed by his many colleagues and friends. He is survived by his loving brothers Warren and Dr. Paul Caldwell, and by his nieces Jennifer, Lucy and Nina Caldwell, Amy Allen (nee Caldwell), nephew James Caldwell, grand nieces Quinn and Everly Needham, Renee and Claire Allen, Adelaide and Matilda Caldwell and grand nephew Grant Caldwell.
A celebration of life will be planned in the future. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Cornerstone Family Violence Prevention Centre, a local charity where his niece Lucy works.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Colin Galbraith
Caldwell 2020..
Death notice for the town of: Cobourg, Province: Ontario